Dental Exams
It is crucial to your overall health and wellness to have regular dental exams and cleanings. It is recommended to visit your dentist at least every six months. In some cases, we may recommend you come more often if you have gum disease, a high frequency of cavities, dental implants, health factors that affect your dental health, or orthodontic appliances that inhibit your ability to clean thoroughly.
Dental Cleanings
Oral hygiene is essential to remove the bacteria that attaches to your teeth, which can lead to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Plaque buildup can calcify over time and lead to calculus (or tartar) deposits on the teeth. Even with proper at-home brushing and flossing techniques, it is impossible to remove all of the bacteria from the teeth without the help of a dental professional. If not removed, this calculus buildup destroys the bone that holds your teeth in place (periodontal disease), which can lead to tooth loss. Bad breath (or halitosis) is a common sign of plaque buildup or progressing periodontal disease. Regular visits to the dentist help prevent bigger problems such as infection, decay, and tooth loss.
Home Care
Having a good home care routine when it comes to your dental and overall health is extremely important to achieve your goals. Diet plays a large role in your health. Eating healthy meals, reducing sugar intake, and being conscious of the frequency of intake of sugary or acidic foods and drinks are a good start to achieving your health goals. Tooth brushing should be done twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, angling the bristles at a 45 degree angle towards your gums. We love electric toothbrushes as many have pressure indicators that prevent overly aggressive brushing that can lead to gum recession. Dr. Neumeyer has her favorites, so be sure to ask her for her recommendation for your specific needs. Daily flossing is the best way to clean the spaces between the teeth that can cause cavities, and it also disrupts the bacteria beneath the gumline, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
